Sports Health is pleased to present the Interscholastic SportsCARE blog. This blog presents information on useful sports medicine topics for the scholastic athletic trainer, parents, and athletes alike. It is written by experienced athletic training and medical professionals, and articles cover a wide range of topics including MRSA, diabetes, using AEDs, and includes real-life examples and original tips. You are invited to read, subscribe, and submit your thoughts.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Concussion Legislation

Concussions have gained considerable notoriety recently on all levels of sport. Consequently, the spotlight has been turned to the need for concussion recognition education among parents, athletes, coaches, athletic trainers and physicians. There are a number of states as well as the federal government that have passed or proposed legislation detailing steps that school districts must implement. As of December, 2010 the list is

In the proposed New Jersey legislation, the spotlight is on education. The New Jersey Department of Education will develop a fact sheet for school districts to distribute annually to coaches, athletes and parents. The state department will also develop a model concussion policy for school districts to use. In addition, the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners will require athletic trainers in both public and private high schools to obtain 24 hours in concussion education in order to renew their state license biannually. In order to return after a concussion, New Jersey’s proposed legislation will require written return from a physician trained in the evaluation & management of concussion.

Phil Hossler, ATC has been an athletic trainer on the scholastic, collegiate and Olympic levels. He has authored 4 books and numerous articles and served as an officer in state and regional athletic training associations for 20 years. He is a member of four halls of fame including the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s.